Browsing by Subject "Extension"

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    Attention
    (University of Minnesota Crookston, 2011-02-23) Tollefson, Elizabeth
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    Characterizing the flow behavior of protein and excipient solutions using Dripping-onto-Substrate extensional rheometry
    (2023-02) Lauser, Kathleen
    Injectable protein medications are lifesaving therapies for patients with cancer, COVID-19, and autoimmune diseases. However developing stable, concentrated protein therapies canbe challenging due to regulations requiring small volumes and viscosities. Accordingly,many therapies are administered intravenously at hospitals, requiring long, expensive stays.Developing ultra-concentrated (>150 mg/mL) medications that can be self-administered subcutaneously can reduce costs and improve flexibility for patients. However ultra-concentrated formulations often suffer from high viscosities and poor stability at rest and under flow. Further, protein medications can denature and lose efficacy when injected due to strong extensional “stretching” forces. These extensional flows can be more detrimental to protein structure and function than shear flows, although thorough studies of protein extensional rheology are limited due to volume constraints and instrumentation challenges. Further, pharmaceutical excipients – molecules like polymers or surfactants which are added to reduce shear viscosity and stabilize formulations – can produce complex flow effects in extension. The first goal of this thesis is to build and validate a novel instrument to measure extensional rheology and associated material properties of protein and protein-excipient solutions for the first time. To do so, a modified dripping-onto-substrate (DoS) extensional rheology device was designed and created. DoS is an extensional rheological technique that creates a semi-stable liquid bridge from a single drop. In time, the liquid bridge self-thins due to inertial, surface tension, viscous and elastic forces. The evolution of the liquid bridge radius is captured with high-speed imaging, which can then be fit to extract rheological parameters. The modified DoS instrument enables measurements of low-viscosity solutions in pure extensional flows in 10 μL or less, overcoming traditional limitations associated with measuring protein solutions in extension. This technique was validated using several test fluids with well-known literature values prior to measuring protein solutions. The second goal was to understand the flow behavior and potential synergistic or antagonistic effects between proteins and pharmaceutical excipients in extensional flows. Model protein ovalbumin (OVA) solutions with added FDA-approved excipients poloxamer 188 (P188), polysorbate 20 (PS20), or polysorbate 80 (PS80) were examined using the DoS technique. OVA is similar in size to insulin, which has previously demonstrated injection-dependant flow behavior. However promisingly, OVA-only solutions up to 300 mg/mL protein exhibited rapid thinning and breakup behavior characteristic of low viscosity fluids. Conversely, excipients typically added to prevent protein aggregation at restor in shear flow appeared to cause detrimental behavior in injection-like flows. P188, a poloxamer that is primarily composed of unimers in solution, demonstrated rapid thinning at low concentrations but transitioned to weakly elastic behavior at higher concentrations. P188 addition was required to observe elasticity in combined P188/OVA conditions since OVA alone did not demonstrate elasticity at any studied concentration. Compared to P188, PS20, and PS80 are smaller molecules and form micelles at the studied conditions. Although PS20 and PS80 are structurally similar, differences in surface activity result in observed flow differences at low concentrations for PS and PS/OVA solutions. However, at higher concentrations, PS20 and PS80 behavior becomes statistically identical due to crowded solution effects. The final goal was to examine the effect of substrate spreading behaviors on capillary-driven thinning, which is not well-explored, particularly for low-viscosity solutions. While capillary-driven thinning progresses in DoS experiments, fluid spreads on the substrate; these differences in spreading or other instrument parameters can lead to variations in the liquid bridge breakup times and rheological parameters. These discrepancies in behavior can be reconciled by correlating to the dimensionless Weber number as well as other fluid and instrument parameters such as aspect ratio or drop volume. Further, computing spreading distances and Weber numbers of spreading can elucidate the importance of Marangoni stresses in capillary thinning experiments for surface-active macromolecules. The results of this thesis demonstrate the first capillary thinning rheological measurements of protein excipient solutions and create a methodology for measuring future protein/excipient combinations. Identifying differences in flow behavior between formulations is important for pharmaceutical development to create more stable therapies in extensional flows. Additionally, an understanding of capillary thinning and spreading dependence can explain variation in DoS experiments and lead to more accurate comparisons of experiment results across samples and concentrations. While this thesis focused on protein-excipient solutions, many of the leanings on methodology are generally relevant to low-viscosity fluids, which can be useful for the broader rheological community.
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    Communicating Biosecurity in Animal Agriculture: Evaluation of Communication That Encourages Dialogue, Learning and Action
    (2023-05) Schuft, Abigail
    It is well documented that implementing biosecurity on an animal farm is beneficial to the animal’s health and wellness and in reducing the risk of production losses caused by diseases. However, compliance of biosecurity protocols has been shown to be low, and a lack of training has been blamed. A preliminary Systems Thinking model is presented to demonstrate how complex factors, including biosecurity, are intertwined with disease response such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Additionally, to increase the appeal of biosecurity education and better understand teaching methods specific to biosecurity, three research projects were completed. First, biosecurity workshops were developed and delivered to youth in Minnesota to encourage positive changes and long-term outcomes for healthier animals. Nine animal species were the focus of programs where learning gains increased by 38% (p≤0.001) on average and the participants retained the knowledge over time. Most participants indicated they would make one or two changes because of the workshop and follow-up evaluation indicated many did implement changes. By implementing the changes, they further demonstrated how youth can act as an agent of change within the family, farm, and community. Another study evaluated education methods for biosecure barn entry and exit protocols by assessing the number of errors, length of time to complete and how it affected biosecurity compliance over time. Three simulated farm entryways were constructed with a unique set of protocols assigned (Protocol) using common industry practices. A participant learned operating procedures in one of three educational modalities (Method): listen, read, or watch. When half of the participants returned after a lapse of time (> 1 month), they had to rely on their recall of the procedures. Education method had no effect on errors or time to complete biosecure procedures. However, the number of steps required and time between visits were found to be predictors of errors and time. Finally, three biosecurity games were developed to explore disease spread risk and to engage group-based discussion to devise strategies to mitigate the associated risks. In the games, simulated people and places each have a stock of particles, and a daily routine of interactions promotes the transfer of particles back and forth. The combinations of the pathogen source, its concentration, biosecurity protocols and sequence of events could be explored through game play. The concepts of the games were assessed to explore their impact and adaptability for use in specific farm systems, facilities, and audiences. Qualitative feedback occurred through participant feedback and observations. Quantitative data was collected to validate particle transfer during the games. Players of all backgrounds learned about the variability of particle movement through interactions that mirror the reality of day-to-day pathogenic particle transfer risk because of playing all three biosecurity game designs. In conclusion, biosecurity communications that encourage dialogue, learning and action proved to be impactful for the various participants.
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    Educational needs assessment of tree and woodland programs in Minnesota: results from a 2020 study
    (2021-02) University of Minnesota Extension Forestry
    The interests of current and potential participants are essential in determining which educational programs are offered by outreach and Extension organizations. In October 2020, the University of Minnesota Extension Forestry team gathered responses to an educational program needs assessment survey, receiving a total of 314 respondents. The most popular topics identified in the survey were woodland management, wildlife, and tree and plant identification. Not surprisingly, respondents preferred virtual learning formats during the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked about learning preferences after COVID-19 pandemic ends, the most preferred class format was a field day. These findings will inform future tree and woodland educational programs in Minnesota. The survey also revealed opportunities for new programs focused around topics such as managing woodlands for wildlife, the history of Minnesota forests, and the impacts of climate change to Minnesota forests.
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    Evaluating Composting as an Alternative Equine Mortality Management Practice and Modes of Scientific Communications
    (2021-09) Lochner, Hannah
    Declining availability of rendering for chemically euthanized animals and challenges associated with burial and cremation limits mortality management options for equine owners. Composting represents an environmentally friendly, biosecure, and economical practice for managing livestock mortalities. However, limited scientific research and knowledge among owners and veterinarians remain barriers to wide acceptance of mortality composting in the equine industry. Demonstrating composting, documenting drug residues (pentobarbital), and disseminating research findings and best management practices could be pivotal for industry adoption. Equine mortality compost piles can achieve high temperatures capable of pathogen reduction and rapid biodegradation. Additionally, pentobarbital quantities significantly decline from pile initiation to compost completion. Minimal pentobarbital residues in finished compost suggest a low environmental impact; however, further research is necessary to determine the environmental fate of pentobarbital. Dissemination of agricultural research, such as mortality composting, can help individuals make informed decisions specific to their farms. Social media networks allow educators the opportunity to interact and reach an expansive audience when disseminating research findings. Infographics have gained popularity for creatively visualizing and simplifying complex scientific information. Infographics can elicit higher engagement and reach from livestock audiences when disseminating scientific information on Facebook compared to a webpage link. While infographics are valuable for conveying science, they do not serve as a replacement to comprehensive resources such as webpages.
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    Exploring Red River Valley History, Resources Big Draw
    (University of Minnesota Crookson, 2006-04-04) Tollefson, Elizabeth
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    Extension Program Conference Poster Abstracts 2014
    (University of Minnesota Extension, 2014-10)
    These are the abstracts for all the posters presented at the Extension conference on October 6-7, 2014..
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    Extension's Safe Food Sampling at Farmers' Markets Workshop to be held in Thief River Falls on June 19
    (University of Minnesota Crookston, 2014-06-10) Svec, Andrew
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    Farm to Grocery: Factsheet for Grocers
    (2021-09) Olive, Ren; Draeger, Kathryn; Jewett, Jane; Schweser, Greg
    Local farms are an approved source for food products, and it is legal for grocers to purchase local foods directly from farmers. This factsheet serves as a quick reference guide for purchasing local food products.
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    The Impacts of a Civic Engagement Cohort Program for Water Quality Professionals
    (Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education, 2018-08) Kallestad, Elizabeth; Chazdon, Scott; Bohn, Hannah
    In this article, researchers report the impact study results of University of Minnesota Extension’s civic engagement for water quality cohort program. The cohort curriculum highlights Extension’s researchinformed, five-stage civic engagement model emphasizing process design and process management. Using a non-random comparison group design, a survey was conducted with participants of three civic engagement cohorts for water quality professionals, as well as a comparison group of water quality professionals not part of a cohort. Survey results were aggregated into the five stages of Extension’s civic engagement process: prepare, inquire, analyze, synthesize, and act together. Findings indicated cohort participants experienced significantly better results than members of the comparison group in four of the five stages. A strength of Extension’s civic engagement model and curriculum is its emphasis on the collective nature and processual aspects of civic engagement work. Cohort participants received training on civic engagement skills, which are not often emphasized in education for water quality professionals. While both groups reported a high frequency of increased civic engagement skills, cohort participants did not report more frequent collaboration or public engagement behaviors than comparison group members. A challenge for those training water quality professionals is instilling the value of civic engagement skills in addition to the more traditional technical skill sets associated with water quality work. Additionally, ongoing training and organizational support is needed for practitioners to effectively implement new skills and leverage new networks.
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    MAPS Station captures, bands breeding birds
    (University of Minnesota Crookston, 2019-07-25) Morthera, Cassandra
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    Margo Bowerman Joins U of M Extension Center for Youth Development on Crookston Campus
    (University of Minnesota Crookston, 2013-05-22) Tollefson, Elizabeth
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    MFIP 60-Month Time Limits: A Review of the Extension Process in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and the Impact on Shelter Use
    (Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 2014-05-06) Abdi, Abdihakin; Mastro, Andrea; Peterson, Marissa; Steele, Matthew
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    Needs Assessment of Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Producers
    (2019-11-20) Klodd, Annie; Hoidal, Natalie
    This report summarizes the findings of a needs assessment with commercial fruit and vegetable growers in Minnesota completed over the winter of 2018-2019, as well as a follow-up retreat with individuals representing organizations working with fruit and vegetable research, outreach, and education in the Midwest. Based on the needs assessment and retreat, we have identified priority areas for fruit and vegetable research and education with Minnesota farmers.
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    Personal networks and private forestry: exploring extension's role in landowner education
    (2012-12) Sagor, Eli Samuel
    Recognizing the public value of sustainable forest management on private lands, governments have invested in programs to educate and assist landowners. However, landowner awareness of and enrollment in these programs are low. Applying a basic social network analysis approach, I investigated the role of personal networks in the flow of information and adoption of sustainable forest management behavior. Based on the results of a written survey, 90% of 1767 owners of Minnesota forest land have received forestry information from at least one source including 65% from a peer and 53% from a professional forester. Personal forestry information network size ranged from 0 to 14 with a mean of 2.92. Network size was positively associated with ownership size and the number of land management activities implemented. Landowner network results confirm the important role of public sector foresters, but also suggest opportunities for increased use of peer learning techniques to engage landowners as learners. Extension forestry programs are the primary providers of landowner education nationwide. A second study investigated the ways that these programs leverage landowner personal networks for education. The managers of 39 forestry-­‐ related peer learning programs train volunteers and use other peer learning techniques to inform and educate landowners about sustainable forest management. Relative to state-­‐level Extension forestry programs, a higher percentage of peer learning programs target smaller, often underserved, landowner groups. Although program outputs and demands for service are increasing, many peer learning program managers face reduced budgets and are turning to new technologies and techniques to maintain or grow their programs. In an environment of rapid changes in both the tools available to support Extension education programs and complex issues demanding a response, the results of these studies present both opportunities and challenges for the future of the nation’s Extension forestry programs.
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    Private and Public Value of Extension Food Safety Education: Perspectives from Minnesota
    (2020-08) Omolo, Morrine
    Educational programs offered by University of Minnesota Extension play an important role in helping learners understand and implement regulatory guidelines regarding food safety. The goal of the present study is to evaluate three such education endeavors (Cottage Food Producer training, Serve It Up Safely for food managers and the Food Safety Modernization Act - Produce Safety Rule), as a foundation for future programming. I hypothesize that the continued success of these programs in meeting private and public values is based on ongoing collaboration between Extension educators, learners and relevant regulatory agencies. The results of this study are based on post-training evaluation of learners. These studies highlight areas in the delivery of the programs and in the experiences of learners that can be the focus for further research and development. Discussion around the public value of the programs and future research considerations are also presented.
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    Soybean College, December 21, 2005
    (University of Minnesota Crookson, 2005-12-21) Gieseke, Mary
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    Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative 2016 Needs Assessment
    (University of Minnesota, 2016) Sagor, Eli S; Russell, Matthew B
    In October 2016, the Sustainable Forests Education Program and University of Minnesota Extension Forestry team gathered responses to an educational program needs assessment survey. The purpose of the survey was to elicit feedback from our target audiences about topics of greatest interest to them for future educational offerings. We received 178 usable responses, about 53% from professional natural resource managers, 34% from woodland owners, and 13% from master volunteers or others. The most popular broad topics were "Silviculture and Forest Management," "Forest Health and Invasives," and "Forest-dependent Wildlife." For each broad topic, respondents ranked subtopics of interest. One-day workshops and webinars were the most popular formats for new continuing education programming addressing these topics.
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    The Northwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership invites ideas for community sustainability
    (University of Minnesota Crookston, 2019-01-25) Morthera, Cassandra